Nitrite level high new tank

canuck123 · March 21st, 2007

I've been having high nitrite level (1.4) in my new tank since three days now. I do a 40% water change to bring it back down daily.

Will this ever cease ?

bbfeckawitts · March 21st, 2007

Yes it will. Your tank is cycling. Read this so you will understand the process:

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

-Brianna

canuck123 · March 21st, 2007

So I should keep on changing the water everyday if the levels remain high ?

Once my tank is cycled, and when it is in the nitrite stage, will the levels be just as high or much lower ?

Gunnie · March 21st, 2007

If you have fish in the tank, you will have to continue with the water changes. If you are cycling without fish, just let it ride.

canuck123 · March 21st, 2007

And when my tank has gone threw it's firts cycle will it continue with high nitrites levels on the next cycle ?

bbfeckawitts · March 21st, 2007

No, during the cycle your "good" bacteria is building up. It turns the Nitrites into (less toxic) Nitrates which shouldn't be a problem with regular water changes. Your ammonia/nitrites should not get high ever again.

-Brianna

canuck123 · March 21st, 2007

Thanks everyone for the replies. I was getting worried.

My fishies seem to be hanging in there.

susitna-flower · March 22nd, 2007

You are doing great!

You will know you're tank has cycled when the ammonia and nitrite are 0 and the nitrates go up. Test every week, or a couple of days after adding any new fish, and if the ammonia or nitrite go up do your water changes again until they come back down, also change 50% water if the nitrate gets up over 20.

Best of luck with your tank.

Fish in the Frozen North 8)

canuck123 · March 22nd, 2007

Thanks susitna-flower ! By the way those chinese algea eaters are really crazy fish. Had one once and it was a bit aggressive and always moving along doing what it does best .... clean the aquarium.

How big are they ?

susitna-flower · March 22nd, 2007

I have one Chinease Algae Eater that I've put in his own 10 gal tank. He is REALLY agressive, and was ramming all my other fish. He is about 5" long, and from what I understand at this size and up they don't even eat algae much any more. I would flush him if I could

Just can't make myself do it. :

Fish in the Frozen North 8)

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